Ireland: Authorities to introduce mandatory COVID-19-related hotel quarantine for certain travelers starting March 26 /update 30

Ireland to introduce mandatory COVID-19-related hotel quarantine from March 26; other travel and domestic measures remain in effect.

Event

Authorities in Ireland have issued orders mandating a COVID-19-related hotel quarantine upon entry for certain travelers. Starting March 26, any travelers arriving from a high-risk country, or who is not in possession of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, must quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated hotel. The isolation period may be extended for up to 10 days for travelers who test positive for COVID-19 during quarantine. The daily rate for the quarantine will be EUR 150 (USD 178).

As of March 23, high-risk (or "Category 2") countries include Angola, Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Eswatini, French Guiana, Guyana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

All incoming travelers must complete a passenger locator form prior to arrival and possess a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to travel. Additionally, all travelers must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, though this can be ended early for arrivals from non-Category-2 countries if the individual takes a COVID-19 test confirming a negative result no less than five days after arrival. Essential transport workers, individuals in transit, and travelers whose journeys originate in Northern Ireland, UK, are exempt from these requirements.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities are also maintaining certain domestic COVID-19 restrictions. The following measures will remain in place across the country until at least April 5:

Residents are not allowed visitors except for essential family reasons.
Individuals must remain at home, except for work, exercise within 5 km (3.1 miles) of home, or essential purposes, such as seeking healthcare services and attending to family emergencies. Working from home is required whenever possible.
Restaurants and pubs must remain closed.
Nonessential retail outlets and personal services such as hairdressers, along with gyms and swimming pools, are still closed, as are all cultural institutions.
Family gatherings are suspended. Funerals and weddings are limited to 10 and six people, respectively.
Public transport capacity is limited to 25 percent; residents are advised to use public transport only for essential purposes.
Nightclubs, casinos, and similar venues remain closed.
Facemasks are required in indoor public places and crowded outdoor public places.

Authorities could reintroduce, extend, or otherwise amend restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.